Land Rover Freelander 2 Si4 SE Review: Greater FREEdom

What we like:

The new 2.0-litre Si4 that offers greater power and effiency coupled with lower road tax.

What we dislike:

Like most off-roaders

it suffers from a vague steering feel.

The greatest change in the new Freelander 2 is the Evoque derived 2.0-litre turbocharged straight-four engine that promises to be even more efficient than the 3.2-litre V6 used previously.

Although the new powerplant has a much lower capacity, it however isn’t short on power and torque figures. Surpassing the previous 3.2-litre V6 at 236bhp and 340Nm of torque. On the roads, the new powerplant is smooth and produces minimal turbo lag. With the torque available, it does demanding tasks like ferrying a full load of passengers without issue.

The long travel suspension necessary for off-roading however does not bode well for on-road performance. Body roll is evident in the Freelander 2 even when doing lane changes on the highway and this is magnified further with the high driving position.

However, this translates to a very supple ride for occupants as the Freelander 2 seemingly floats over most undulations without issue. Steering also felt overservoed and vague but is understandable in a true off-road SUV such as this.

Where the Freelander 2 positively shines though is when tarmac is scarce. With the Land Rover Terrain Response System, nothing seems too daunting for this SUV. We tested the climbing ability of the Freelander 2 on 20 – 30 degree slopes in ‘Grass/Gravel/Snow’ mode on a wet grass surface. It made the climb without much effort while keeping constant forward momentum.

On the way down, the automatic Hill Descent Control (HDC) took over to regulate our descent. Drivers not used to the HDC system at work will be startled by the sounds of the constant individual brake grabbing as the system attempts to regulate the speed of each wheel on the descent (similar to ABS).

Adding to its already impressive off-road prowess is its ability to wade through up to half a metre of water without problems. A useful feature considering the recent spate of flooding we’ve experienced lately.

With this latest update, Land Rover is assured that the Freelander 2 will keep its competitive edge against other rivals in the luxury SUV market.

But the trump card is that while most other SUVs in this segment are restricted to urbanite living on paved roads, the Freelander 2 is able to trundle on whatever terrain is presented before it.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline